|
Review:
|
This is the second album from Italian polymath Fabio
Zuffanti's's Aries project, I have the self titled first,
released back in 2005, safely stowed in my collection. It
lies at the the lighter melodic rock end of Fabio's many
ventures, indeed the first release was a meandering work
that leant heavily towards classic 70's prog, especially
Renaissance. However this second album is a far more 21st
century, song based, cohesive collection, the key being
Simona Anglioloni's elevation from guest to musical partner
and co-writer. It is a concept piece based on the 1997 book
'Double Kingdom' by Paola Capriolo which tells the story
of a woman who flees the city and takes refuge in a creepy
hotel in the hills. Once there she cannot escape, meeting
strange characters and experiencing surreal events. Musically
it is built around six mellow melodious mellifluous 'ballads',
with hints of Ayreon, Porcupine Tree, Pink Floyd, jazz,
pop, rock and Andrew Lloyd Webber. I use the term 'ballads'
with some reservation and trepidation, because it is does
not do justice to the beauty, varying dynamics and subtle
power of these songs, graced with Simona's lovely pure semi
operatic voice, a string quartet, twinkling electric/acoustic
piano, soft Mellotron, electronica and gorgeous melodies.
Highlights include 'Alone', 'The Moon Rises Again' and the
more up-tempo 'Deep Inside' and 'Space'. Other songs include
the more unusual 'See Through Me' and 'I Will Sleep Among
the Waves' which convey the mood of the story; the voice
and string quartet 'The House is Burning'; the dramatic
'Falling Down' ; and on the final track 'Flow' Simona even
does some Dame Cleo Laine style scat singing. I must also
mention Davide Guidoni's sensitive fluid skilful drumming
which fits the music perfectly, and it is all superbly produced.
This is a work of rare beauty, sophistication and grace
that will appeal to anyone who appreciates fine quality
melodic and prog rock. Full details are on their Facebook,
http://www.facebook.com/pages/ARIES/111899015522558
, a mellifluous 9 out of 10.
|
